How a little Welsh town saved itself by becoming Britain’s wacky contest capital

LLANWYRTD WELLS, UK — There is an annual race between people and horses in this tiny Welsh town, and yes, a horse almost always wins.

But that’s not really the point. Whether it’s the Man vs. Horse Marathon, the World Bog Snorkeling Championships, the Stone Skimming Championships or any of the contests hosted here each year, the same winner comes out on top: Llanwyrtd Wells.

Once a popular destination for Victorians seeking pony treks and restorative spas, the hamlet has weathered changing holiday tastes by rebranding itself as Britain’s capital of wacky challenges.